Alaska Cruises: Excursions

This tour provides an outstanding overview of the state's capital city and its scenic attractions, including one of the world's only drive-to glaciers, the Mendenhall. Your guided tour takes you through Juneau's picturesque downtown. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier, a moving river of ice with rugged crevasses and a distinctive blue color. Stroll the walkways to the Visitor Center and take in one of the glaciology exhibits, an interpretive talk with a Forest Service Ranger, or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the glacier. Afterward, you'llo visit Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Dress in layers, as temperatures at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Area tend to fluctuate. less

Head out with a prospector/guide in authentic 19th century dress for a historical tour of Juneau including the state capitol. Then, turn up the road to Gold Creek and “Last Chance Basin”, where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a secluded setting alongside Gold Creek your prospector shows you how gold panning is done. Then, it’s your turn, as you learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice. You’re guaranteed to find gold! And, all that glitters is yours to keep. Around you are remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company. You’ll learn about the mining techniques that were used and more about the quest for gold that is so much a part of Alaska’s history. Take home a souvenir Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what it was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago. The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an all-you-can-eat adventure in a unique outdoor setting that’s been grilled to perfection for more than 30 years. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood while enjoying entertainment provided by local musicians. The sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from salmon, chicken, baked beans, wild rice pilaf, potatoes and other sides, salads, beverages and desert. After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire. Stroll through forest to Salmon Creek waterfall. Visit the trading post to purchase a souvenir. less

Catch “gold fever” and experience what it was like to seek your fortune during Gold Rush days! Learn to pan for gold (and keep all you find!) and discover Juneau’s colorful mining heritage for yourself. Head out with a prospector/guide in authentic 19th century dress for a historical tour of Juneau, including the state capitol, en route to “Last Chance Basin”, where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a beautiful, secluded setting alongside Gold Creek — only accessible under our tour’s special permit — your prospector shows you how gold panning is done. Then, it’s your turn, as you learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice. You can choose to pan in the creek, or in the waist-high demonstration trough. Every one of all ages and those with limited mobility can learn how to pan and capture the full gold rush experience. You’re guaranteed to find gold! And, all that glitters is yours to keep. Around you are remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company, which at the height of production was the largest operation of its type in the world. You’ll learn about the mining techniques that were used, and more about the quest for gold that is so much a part of Alaska’s history. Take home a souvenir Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what is was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago. less

A feast as grand as Alaska itself! The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an event that’s been grilled to perfection for more than 30 years. Savor an all-you-can-eat adventure, in a unique outdoor environment you’ll find nowhere else. Arrive at a beautiful setting, in a lush rain forest alongside a creek, under translucent domes that protect you from the elements, rain or shine. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood. This sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from grilled salmon, Cheechako Chicken, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild Rice Pilaf, Gold Rush Potatoes and a robust selection of other sides, salads and beverages. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Vegetarians, take note that there’s plenty to tempt your palate! Come back for seconds, or thirds, while a local musician sets a festive mood. And, just when you think you’ve had enough — bring on the blueberry cake for dessert! After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire. Stroll through the forest to lovely Salmon Creek waterfall. View the remains of the Wagner Mine and try your hand at panning for gold. Visit the trading post to purchase a souvenir gold pan or other memento. There’s plenty to do, and shuttle buses run regularly, so your visit can last as long as you like. Don’t return until your tastes have been satisfied and you’re filled with great memories! less

This wilderness expedition to the spectacular Davidson Glacier leads you through fjords, rain forests, colorful wildflowers, and towering mountains. Your adventure begins with a 75 minute journey through North America's deepest fjord aboard a high speed 26 passenger expedition boat. Watch for whales, seals, sea lions, and cascading waterfalls along the way to a remote beach at Glacier Point, one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.

After a short, adventurous drive across the forested glacial moraines, and a quarter mile walk, the forest suddenly opens to a breathtaking view of the glacier. The crystal blue ice tumbles from the jagged peaks into a pristine lake where 31 foot voyager canoes wait to take you to the very face of the glacier. Throughout your tour, expert guides share their extensive knowledge of this amazing area. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach amid fields of wild strawberries and iris tops before your return trip to Skagway.

Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age, weigh no more than 350 lbs and must be in good health and able to walk over uneven terrain.

Explore Alaska’s wilderness by boat and savor Dungeness crab amid the hospitality of a historic Alaska lodge. At George Inlet Lodge, board your vessel and cruise the Inside Passage waterway on a journey that explores the region’s history and natural beauty. On your journey up the fjord, you’ll pass the old George Inlet Cannery, and Mahoney River Valley, home to bears, eagles, and salmon that return to spawn annually. Cross the fjord and view the Tongass National Forest in its entire splendor. A remote cove is home to Dungeness crab. Volunteers help pull crab pots, and while these crab are set free, you’ll have the opportunity to see them up close and learn about their anatomy and life cycle. Once the pots are reset, return to the lodge for a well-deserved meal that includes a beverage, oriental salad, steamed baby red potatoes, one full serving of Dungeness crab, and a slice of cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries! For more details about this tour please visit: http://alaskacrabtours.com/crabbing.html
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